“The field of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) has progressed significantly with the advancement of artificial intelligence technology. As a result, more applications that utilise ASR, and AI technologies are developed and have shown a promising impact on communication and accessibility. However, this field is emerging and the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and International Federation of Hard of Hearing (IFHOH) are documenting a small number of user experiences and cases using ASR technology. There needs to be continuing effort in research and development with deaf and hard of hearing par-ticipation to improve the uses and applications of ASR technology.

This joint statement is to inform that ASR should not replace current communication methods, such as Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS) and Captioning services.”

From our Chair, Craig Crowley

Our last day of Deaf Awareness Week and DEX are supporting politics #DAWrolemodels2019

DEX is a deaf user-led organisation which believes is the only deaf led organisation that supports all deaf children with all levels of deafness and fully understands the needs of deaf children in mainstream schools. This is because of our personal experiences and our research studies as we are aware of the impact that mainstreaming has on deaf children’s education and the rest of deaf childrens’ lives.

DEX’s fundamental aim is to campaign for a national sign bilingual framework to ensure that all deaf children, regardless of level of hearing loss, have access to their school curriculum in resourced mainstream schools or Deaf schools. This should include bilingualism in English / British Sign Language, or multilingualism i.e. Welsh, Urdu, and English and BSL; access to a deaf peer group in significant numbers and never to be placed without deaf peers in mainstream school. This will enable each deaf child to feel part of their school culture, as well as giving them the opportunity to develop a positive deaf identity.

DEX has conducted its own Best Value Review audit and feasibility study, in addition to mapping and service delivery. We have involved deaf children, parents and a wide range of service providers in government organisations, i.e. DfE, Ofsted, councils and have also read extensively for our literature reviews, and visited other countries to compare (as required in Best Value Reviews). We also work with deaf young people to run their own affairs and develop their deaf identities – the DEX Deaf Youth Council. This includes a wide range of opportunities to learn and socialise, and we are establishing more groups in other areas.

Because of this, we know that deaf children in education do not receive adequate specialist support to enable them to progress on the same level as hearing children, and that they can be socially excluded. We know existing UK law is not meeting the needs of most deaf children by not providing, for example, freedom of association and expression, well-being, a happy and safe childhood and access to a fluent language.

There is much research into the benefits for bilinguals regardless of the languages they use. DEX has looked at some of this research as part of its own research studies. We know bilinguals are freer from the limits of one single language; a good knowledge of two languages and cultures; have more empathy as are better communicators; are problem solvers and flexible thinkers; can learn more languages more easily and finally, have better employment and social opportunities. This is compelling evidence to show that there is absolutely no reason why deaf children should not be bilingual. Furthermore, DEX’s recent research into threatened languages (2014) has shown that the numbers of deaf children learning BSL is falling and thus our language is severely endangered. Legislation to urgently required to implement change for deaf children and young people and to save BSL and the deaf community.

Today Signlive are supporting Deaf Awareness Week.

SignLive is a first-class provider of online BSL interpreting. Our fantastic on demand system allows you to communicate with anyone, at any time, from your own device, by using our app which connects you to a qualified British Sign Language Interpreter. The app is easy to use and our Community Directory allows you to contact listed businesses and organisations FREE of charge once you have registered.

SignLive is available 24/7 with no pre-booking required.

Download the app from the app store or Google Play and get started today! Visit www.signlive.co.uk for more information .

SignVideo has launched the UK’s first Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) Business Directory on their app in time for Deaf Awareness Week 2019, with a key difference.

The directory offers Deaf BSL entrepreneurs – free of charge – the opportunity to attract more Deaf BSL customers to their services through a simple click.

Deaf entrepreneurs and tradespeople are now able to list their business on the Signvideo app for free, allowing Deaf people to click-to-call them directly, in BSL, using the SignVideo service.

Business owners do not have to register or hold a paid SignVideo account. All calls are free of charge and their Deaf BSL customers also do not need a SignVideo account to use the service.

The new BSL Business Directory aims to promote and build a new mindset that focuses on the development of a BSL “Ecosystem” concept within the Deaf BSL community.

Jeff McWhinney, Founder and Chairman of SignVideo said:

“We at SignVideo passionately believe in the empowerment of Deaf BSL community. With this in mind, I am proud to announce that SignVideo has enhanced further our app to start the ball rolling on the Deaf BSL ecosystem space by launching a free Business Directory connecting Deaf people who use BSL and those who have their own businesses or run a trade service. If you are looking for a painter, a graphic designer, a gardener, a photographer or a builder, for example, you can just search the SignVideo BSL Business Directory on our app and click to call them!”

Deaf tradespeople and/or business owners wishing to register their business on the SignVideo app BSL Business Directory are welcome to add themselves by registering here or visiting www.signvideo.co.uk/business-directory.

Download the SignVideo app by searching “SignVideo” on the Apple or Play app store or from here.